Full Breakdown
Protester Jailed After Throwing Bottle at Police During Portsmouth Anti-Migrant Demonstration
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Background and Protest Details
On September 6 a boat carrying migrants was brought ashore at Eastney Marina, Portsmouth, after crossing the Channel. The arrival prompted an anti-migrant demonstration near Eastney Marina that drew roughly 200 participants, according to court testimony. Protesters attempted to block the migrants from reaching a processing centre in Kent. During the unrest, seven police officers were injured and several Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged.
Court Decision and Sentencing
Del Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, pleaded guilty to violent disorder for throwing a plastic bottle at a police line and using abusive language. He was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court to two years’ imprisonment. The judge, Daniel Sawyer, described Somerville as a “thug” and said the sentence was intended to deter similar conduct in future protests. Somerville remains in custody and will face a further hearing on November 27 (scheduled) regarding additional charges, including an alleged assault on a constable on September 11.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Edward Warren framed the case as arising from the violence that followed the arrival of migrants and underscored the need for accountability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of migrants involved in the September 6 landing: the prosecutor’s quotation cites 114 illegal migrants, a BBC report mentions “about 120,” while the Daily Echo references “around 140.” No source provides a definitive count, leaving the exact figure unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This case arises out of the violence that occurred on the night of 6th September following the arrival into the country of 114 illegal migrants who had crossed the Channel from France and were diverted to Eastney marina escorted by the Coastguard and the RNLI.” — Prosecutor Edward Warren — Prosecutor Edward Warren